Vibrant events that celebrate Chester will be a regular fixture in the city centre calendar if a new Business Improvement District (BID) is given the go-ahead.

That’s the pledge of CH1 Chester BID – the company behind a drive to create a BID in Chester, which has made the statement following the news that the Giant and Roman parades will not be taking place in Chester this summer.

Paul Daniels, Chairman of CH1 Chester BID Company and Managing Director of thebestofchester, said: “It’s a real shame that these two festivals won’t be taking place in Chester this year because they are huge events that celebrate our heritage and attract thousands of visitors.

“We know for certain that quality events and a lively city centre have a direct impact on the commercial success of businesses in that area, helping to drive footfall, increase customer spend and length of stay.

“Through a Business Improvement District (BID) in Chester, we would have the resource and the finance to deliver a programme of high calibre events and street animation. Our commercial structure would also ensure activities are promoted effectively and we would take responsibility for joining up the dots with city businesses to make sure they are aware of what’s going on in the area.

“The cancellation of these two festivals is disappointing news for our city and our stakeholders. However, it provides another reason for businesses to vote ‘Yes’ to a BID in Chester and if we are successful, we look forward to being involved in future discussions with both organisations.”

A BID in Chester could generate £2.5m of private sector investment over the next five years to help deliver a full range of benefits, which would be agreed on by the businesses themselves. This could include everything from events and festivals and dedicated marketing campaigns to attract more people to our city centre, to joint procurement schemes that enable local businesses to make real cost savings.

In June this year, businesses within a designated area of Chester City Centre will be asked to vote on whether or not Chester should become a BID city. If successful, every business that falls within the BID area would be required to pay a 1% levy on top of their business rates, which will be used to fund the improvements those businesses want to see.